15 Truly Unique Experiences To Have In Arizona

Fancy a bit of mining lore, a gunslinger legend or two, pop-culture references galore, and a forest of 225-million-year-old petrified trees?

Well, there’s one place on Earth where you’ll find them all.

Arizona, with its extreme deserts, mountains, and canyons, has a culture all its own. And while every state has its own quirks and phenomena, Arizona lays claim to a host of natural features and activities that set it apart.

With elevations ranging from just 70 feet above sea level along the Colorado River to 12,633 feet in the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff, Arizona spans five distinct climate zones and is home to a wide variety of landscapes.

Here are 15 truly unique experiences that you can only have in the Grand Canyon State.

A moonscape in the Petrified National Forest. — Cindy Barks

1. Visit A Moonscape

Walk among the flat-topped mesas and sculpted buttes of the Petrified Forest National Park in northeastern Arizona, and you’ll surely feel like you’ve been transported to another world — or perhaps merely to the moon.

The park’s Blue Mesa Trail takes hikers into the heart of the otherworldly badlands — an eerie landscape dotted with mounds of petrified wood. The National Park Service describes the petrified wood as 225-million-year-old trees that have been fossilized and are made up of almost solid quartz.

2. Channel The Eagles

If the Eagles were ever your jam, or even if they weren’t, one of the 1970s/1980s rock band’s lines will probably ring a bell.

“Well I’m a-standin’ on a corner in Winslow, Arizona” turned out to be a musical shout-out with staying power. The line from the band’s 1972 hit “Take It Easy” put the small northeastern-Arizona town on the pop-culture map.

Today, the community has immortalized the lyric with the Standin’ on the Corner Park, located along a section of the old Route 66 in downtown Winslow. Complete with a statue of a guitar-wielding man on the corner — and yes, a flatbed Ford — the park offers plenty of fun photo ops for Eagles fans.

Meteor Crater near Flagstaff, Arizona. — turtix / Shutterstock

3. Tour The Crater Made Famous By Starman

It’s nearly a mile across, more than 500 feet deep, and 50,000 years old. Meteor Crater, located about 37 miles east of Flagstaff, is so unusual that it has been featured in a number of science fiction movies. In the 1984 movie Starman, Jeff Bridges’s alien character famously made a run for Meteor Crater.

The crater is said to have formed when a nickel-iron meteorite struck the Earth. An interactive visitors center offers a crater-viewing area, a widescreen theater, and artifacts and exhibits. Guided rim tours are also available.

4. Cross A London Icon

As the story goes, a developer bought the real 1830s-era London Bridge from the City of London in the late 1960s. He then reassembled it in the Colorado River community of Lake Havasu City in a bid to entice tourists and prospective homebuyers.

The stunt paid off. The London Bridge, which crosses a channel of the river, is now one of Arizona’s top tourist attractions.

The Superstition Mountains in Arizona. — JoMo333 / Shutterstock

5. Search For Lost Gold

The search for gold was never easy, and the Lost Dutchman Mine in Arizona’s Superstition Mountains is a case in point. As perhaps the West’s most famous lost gold mine, it has inspired countless legends involving missing maps, treachery, and deathbed confessions.

Today, the fables come alive at Lost Dutchman State Park.

For many, the gorgeous desert terrain in the park and in the nearby Tonto National Forest is even more tempting than the prospect of gold. Routes such as the Peralta Trail take hikers deep into the stark and rugged area and offer glimpses of the famous Weavers Needle.

6. Plummet Down A Natural Waterslide

Sedona’s Red Rocks offer more than just stunning views. At Slide Rock State Park, the sandstone rocks also form an 80-foot-long chute that serves as the ultimate summer waterslide. Algae on the rocks creates a slippery slide for the adventurous.

The state park is located near Oak Creek at the site of an old apple farm.

Food and drinks from the El Tovar Hotel. — Cindy Barks

7. Enjoy A Happy Hour Near A Natural Wonder

Both complementing and contrasting with the rugged terrain of the Grand Canyon is the historic El Tovar Hotel, a former Harvey House built in 1903.

While the restaurant offers elegant dining, another option is the hotel’s lounge, which features a small adjoining veranda overlooking the canyon — it’s the perfect spot for an after-hike happy hour as the setting sun illuminates the natural wonder.

8. Travel Back In Time To The Wild West

The Earps made Tombstone their own back in the 1880s, and now you can, too. The southern-Arizona community known as “The Town Too Tough to Die” offers nonstop Western action along its wooden sidewalks, including reenactments of the infamous gunfight at the O.K. Corral.

Burros at Phantom Ranch in Arizona. — GPSmith / Shutterstock

9. Stay At A Historic Lodge

For decades the Phantom Ranch has served as a shady oasis for weary hikers and mule riders who have ventured deep into the Grand Canyon. The 1922 lodge offers a store with basic provisions, as well as a dormitory and cabins, and is located near the banks of the Colorado River.

10. Walk Among Giants

Known for its massive pipe-like trunks reaching toward the sky, the organ pipe cactus is unique to one isolated spot in the United States — the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, located in southern Arizona near the Mexican border. A walk among the spiky giants is sure to make you feel small, but in a good way.

11. Dine In An Asylum

Jerome was once known as “The Wickedest Town in the West,” and its Asylum Restaurant is a reminder of the days when the 1926 building served as a hospital for the raucous mining community perched on the side of a mountain.

Although never actually an insane asylum, the building that houses the restaurant and hotel has a slightly spooky vibe that makes it a popular destination for ghost hunters.

Browsing jewelry at a Navajo Flea Market. — Cindy Barks

12. Browse A Navajo Flea Market

Navajo specialties such as frybread, kneeldown bread (Navajo tamales), and blue-corn mush don’t come any more authentic than they do at the Tuba City Flea Market. Along with an assortment of home-cooked Native American foods, the market offers a huge array of turquoise jewelry, colorful blankets, and native-inspired pottery.

Tuba City is located near the eastern edge of the vast Navajo Nation in northern Arizona, about 80 miles north of Flagstaff.

13. Refresh At A Route 66 Soda Counter

If it’s a vintage Route 66 experience you’re after, the Hackberry General Store will more than fit the bill. The former mining town in northwestern Arizona evolved over the years into a service station/general store featuring old signage and gas pumps, antique cars, and an authentic soda counter.

The general store is located on a scenic but isolated stretch of the old Route 66, about 30 miles northeast of Kingman.

14. Cliff Jump Into Spring Water

Perhaps no water feature in arid Arizona is more special than Fossil Creek. At a temperature of 70 degrees, water gushes from Fossil Springs at the bottom of a deep canyon on its way to the Verde River.

The calcium carbonate-rich water has a beautiful blue-green color, which adds to the appeal of the area. One of only two Wild and Scenic Rivers in Arizona, Fossil Creek attracts crowds of visitors despite its remote location. Many climb the cliffs above the falls to dive into the deep pools.

“Because of its beauty and year-round water, people are drawn to this area,” states the Coconino National Forest website. “The lushness of the riparian area strikes a sharp contrast to the dry and sparse desert vegetation that surrounds it.”

Permits are required to access the creek between April 1 and October 1.

15. Ride A Mule Through The Grand Canyon

Teams of mules provide a distinctly Arizonan mode of transportation to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. A local company offers overnight trips down the steep Bright Angel Trail and up the South Kaibab Trail the next day. The trips include a stay in the cabins at the historic Phantom Ranch.

A great alternative to hiking, the mule rides give visitors an opportunity to take in the cliffs of the canyon’s Inner Gorge, the Colorado River, and the panoramic views along the South Kaibab Trail. Space is limited.

Planning a trip to Arizona? See our other articles on the Grand Canyon State to learn more about the hiking trails, parks, petroglyphs, and natural wonders the area has to offer.

8 Totally Free Things To Do In San Francisco

While the City by the Bay is known for having one of the most expensive real estate and rental markets in the United States, you can still enjoy a budget-friendly getaway there. San Francisco’s no-cost attractions include everything from natural wonders to flea markets.

Here are eight totally free things to do in San Francisco. Each one is sure to make your next visit a memorable (and cheap!) one.

1. Enjoy The San Francisco Botanical Garden

Located in beautiful Golden Gate Park, the San Francisco Botanical Garden is one of the natural gems of the Golden City. And fortunately for budget-conscious travelers, it offers free admission for early birds every day from 7:30 a.m. until 9 a.m. And if you happen to be visiting on the second Tuesday of the month, you’ll be able to enter for free at any time of the day! Regular admission prices are $6 for youth and seniors, $9 for adults, and $2 for children.

The San Francisco Botanical Garden is a natural wonder, with 55 acres of winding pathways, secret gardens, centuries-old redwoods, water features, and more. You’ll find an entire hill of succulents, more than 9,000 types of plants, and rotating exhibits throughout the year, so be sure to get up early and head over to the park to earn free admission to this lovely place in San Francisco.

Pro tip: While you’re in Golden Gate Park, consider participating in disc golf. That’s another free activity available in the area.

The Coit Tower Murals in San Francisco. — ChameleonsEye / Shutterstock

2. See The Coit Tower Murals

One of San Francisco’s most recognizable landmarks is Coit Tower. Located atop one of the city’s seven hills, Telegraph Hill, the tower features beautiful murals. You can see the murals from the ground floor of the tower, which is free to access. If you would like a bird’s-eye view of San Francisco, you can purchase tickets for the elevator; they range in price from $2 to $8 and can include a guided tour. The Coit Tower was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008.

Surrounding Coit Tower is the pretty Pioneer Park. This natural area is also free to access and is famous for its parrot residents. Pioneer Park would make an ideal setting for a lunchtime or sunset picnic.

People crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. — GCapture / Shutterstock

3. Cross The Golden Gate Bridge

No visit to San Francisco would be complete without a trip to the city’s signature site, the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge. While cars do pay a toll, walking or biking across the bridge is absolutely free. The bridge is roughly 1.7 miles across, so if you’d like to experience the beauty of the bay from the bridge itself, be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Before you go, grab a bite to eat at the café on the city side. Be prepared for the bridge to be busy — about 10 million people visit it each year!

The Painted Ladies in San Francisco. — Luciano Mortula / Shutterstock

4. Admire The Painted Ladies

Another signature San Francisco sight is the iconic row of Queen Anne homes in Alamo Square. The opening credits of the sitcom Full House have helped to make the area one of the most photographed in the whole city. You can experience the green space in the square — and take photographs of the houses with the stunning San Francisco cityscape behind them — for free. If you’d like to tour the homes, however, you’ll have to pay a fee.

Please note that the home from Full House had a fictional address (1882 Gerard), so don’t try to find it using a map. The home that was used wasn’t one of the famous painted ladies from the show’s opening credits. It sits at 1709 Broderick Street in the Lower Pacific Heights neighborhood, and the show’s producer owns the home now.

Land's End in San Francisco. — Mookyoung Jeong / Shutterstock

5. Hike To Lands End

This northwestern corner of San Francisco boasts stunning sea views and a beautiful rocky landscape. It is free to access and links up to the 1.5-mile Coastal Trail. Be sure to apply plenty of bug spray and put on comfortable shoes before heading out on a hike.

Lands End offers views of old shipwrecks, plus chances to see wildlife like seabirds and otters. The park adjacent to the lookout point features a Holocaust memorial and options for those interested in biking rather than hiking.

6. Browse The Offerings At Fog City Flea

Each Sunday at the Ferry Building, San Francisco hosts a huge flea market. Known as the Fog City Flea, this is another great free activity to enjoy during the summer or fall months. It’s located in the pretty Embarcadero waterfront area, where you can enjoy a scenic walk, see the famous seals, experience the farmers market, watch the cruise ships depart, and see ferries cycle to and from Alcatraz at any time of the year. Obviously, shopping at the flea market is not free, but wandering around and chatting with the vendors won’t cost you a cent!

Lombard Street in San Francisco. — f11photo / Shutterstock

7. Drive One Of The World’s Curviest Streets

San Francisco is also known for its famous Lombard Street, said to be one of the world’s curviest roads. It’s actually quite a long street, but one specific block in a residential area contains eight hairpin turns. You can drive down this wacky street for a scenic good time. Even if you don’t have a car, you can experience and enjoy the street as a pedestrian.

Please note that the crooked portion of the street can be found between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets.

Presidio park in San Francisco. — TanyaBird / Shutterstock

8. Picnic In The Presidio

Another no-cost San Francisco activity is picnicking in the 1,500-acre Presidio park adjacent to the Golden Gate Bridge. The Presidio Picnic takes place every Sunday from March through October on the Main Parade Lawn. This community event features food trucks plus a host of free activities like yoga, yard games, and a photo booth. You’ll need to bring money if you want to purchase grub from any of the 30 or so food trucks selling cuisine from all over the world, but you’re welcome to bring your own food.

The Presidio itself is both a California Historic Landmark and a National Historic Landmark and offers gorgeous woodlands and beautiful water and bridge vistas.

Even an expensive city like San Francisco offers free hidden gems and famous sites for visitors to explore. Want to eat out in San Francisco while sticking to your budget? Check out our guide to the city’s best budget-friendly restaurants. And if you have more time in the area, consider a day trip or two.

How To Spend A Day On St. Barts

It’s not difficult to find an idyllic escape in the Caribbean. But laid-back luxury has never come together with European elegance quite like it does in St. Barts. This jewel of an island seamlessly fuses French flair with magnificent tropical landscapes. Picture a fine bottle of chilled rose with a backdrop of lush mountains, powder-soft sand, lusciously scented frangipanis, and yachts that lilt atop turquoise waves. St. Barts is undoubtedly the Caribbean’s darling when it comes to the playgrounds of the rich and famous. Expect fabulous hotels, world-class dining, and designer shopping along with unique French and Caribbean history that dates back centuries.

In 2017, Hurricane Irma devastated much of the island and its hotels and restaurants. But after a careful, dedicated, and passionate effort to rebuild and renew, St. Barts is 100 percent back in business and ready to show off its new look.

But what if you only have one day to see and do it all? This seems overwhelming, to say the least, as there are so many fantastic spots to visit. That said, St. Barts is only 10 square miles, so it’s entirely possible to tackle its very best in a single day. Here’s your guide for the best way to spend a day in St. Barts.

Colombier Beach in St. Barts. — Przemyslaw Skibinski / Shutterstock

Set The Scene With Private Views

There’s no better way to set the scene for your day in St. Barts than with a hike to Colombier Beach. One of the most beautiful beaches on the island, Colombier Beach is a crescent-shaped bay of turquoise water fringed with powdery sand and emerald-colored hills. What’s even more special about this beach is that it is only accessible by boat or hike. And trust us, the hike is worth it. It begins directly off the end of Flamands. Keep in mind it can be a strenuous hike. It is best to begin early in the morning before the heat of the day kicks in. Pack snacks, water, and plenty of sunscreen. If this hike isn’t in the cards for you and your travel companions, consider chartering a boat to Colombier Beach.

Aerial view of Gustavia. — Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

Get Your Bearings In Gustavia

Seventy years ago, Gustavia, the capital of St. Barts, was just a sleepy fishing village. But the 1960s brought huge investments from jet-setting A-listers like the Rockefellers and Rothschilds, celebrities, and wealthy Europeans. The Gustavia of today is a thriving seaport where glamorous glitterati stroll the lovely promenades. The streets are flanked with upscale boutiques, gourmet restaurants, historic sites, and that iconic French-Caribbean flair.

Here in Gustavia, you’ll find most of the island’s acclaimed restaurants and bars as well as Shell Beach, which is just a short stroll from the harbor and is one of the most photographed on St. Barts. If you’ve rented your own villa, be sure to stop at the fish market to pick up the day’s catch, from marlin and dorado to tuna and lobster.

Saline Beach in St. Barts. — Sandra Foyt / Shutterstock

Hit The Beach

When on vacation on a Caribbean island, a beach day seems to be sort of a given. Fortunately, St. Barts has some of the most idyllic in all of the Caribbean, so you will have your pick — and all the beaches on St. Barts are free.

Saline is one of the most beautiful, and pristine, on the island. This no-frills beach has just the essentials: sun, sand, and crystal-clear water. Just be forewarned that it is BYO-everything. Shell Beach is another fan-favorite, known for having crushed seashells instead of sand. Those looking to soak up the St. Barts scene won’t want to miss St. Jean Beach, home to the fabulous Eden Rock hotel and Nikki Beach, a luxury beach club.

Enjoy A “Pique-Nique”

Al fresco dining is one thing, but you can take it to the next level by planning the perfect St. Barts picnic. Stock up on provisions at Maya’s To Go. From smoked salmon on brioche for breakfast to a host of delicious sandwiches, cauliflower gratin, onion tarts, and more, Maya’s combines French flavors with authentic island ingredients for a truly unique dining experience. Stop into Le Gout du Vin as well. This specialty shop carries more than 800 labels of wine. It’s also the supplier for the top restaurants and bars across many Caribbean islands. Pick up your favorite bottle of chilled rose, and the picnic procurement is done. Just add a beach blanket and be on your way.

A scuba diver off the coast of St. Barts. — bcampbell65 / Shutterstock

Marvel At The Island’s Underwater Paradise

St. Barts is very much invested in preserving the aquatic habitat that surrounds it. In the late 1990s, the island created the Natural Reserve of St. Barthelemy, which includes five sanctuary zones around the island that provide protection of underwater ecosystems. Tourists can dive, boat, and fish while still adhering to the reserve’s regulations, and it’s entirely worth the experience to be dazzled by the kaleidoscope of colors and species that thrive beneath the lapping turquoise waves. The island is surrounded by shallow reefs with 22 dive sites. Be sure to explore the upside-down wreck of the Nonstop, a fancy yacht that sunk in 1989 during Hurricane Hugo.

Treat Yourself A Few Hours At A Decadent Spa

As the ultimate playground for the rich and famous, St. Barts does spa culture justice. Pampering isn’t just a perk — it’s a way of life. One of the best places to treat yourself is the spa at Le Barthelemy Hotel and Spa. Le Spa is a pocket of pure serenity with treatments for the mind and body. This holistic escape has an open-air atrium that invites the outdoors in, plus a full menu of pampering therapies. Indulge in a facial with La Mer products, or upgrade your look at the nail salon or blow-out bar.

Colombier Beach (Anse de Colombier) in St Barths. — Przemyslaw Skibinski / Shutterstock.com

Drink In Swanky Sunsets

For those in the know, Hotel Christopher is a front-row seat to the island’s best sunsets. This is the best place to pull up a beach chair, sip a frosty tropical drink, and take in nature’s spectacular show. The hotel is very welcoming to non-guests. Grab a seat at Mango Beach Club for a barefoot luxe experience, or step up the elegance at Christo Lounge Restaurant, which overlooks the pool and the beach. Hotel Christopher specializes in organic cocktails and has an impressive wine list, to boot. You won’t regret ending the day in such sweet style.

Get Ready To Rock And Roll

Get into the island groove at Baz Bar, a Gustavia hot spot known for its live music — from reggae and rock to funk and blues — and hosting international DJs. The low-key venue on the harbor is plastered with celebrity-signed posters and has an on-site restaurant that serves top-quality sushi.

Inside Orega restaurant in Gustavia. — Orega

Eating In St. Barts

Breakfast on St. Barts doesn’t get better than Kiki-e Mo. This simple, healthy, colorful cafe in St. Jean offers French, American, and “Royal” breakfasts with set menu items. Bloody Maries and Prosecco Mimosas add to the Royal Breakfast’s regal status. Kiki-e Mo also offers fresh juice and yogurt, pastries, and delectable avocado toast.

If you’re more of a brunch person, everyone’s favorite weekend meal doesn’t get more lavish and glamorous than the offerings at Nikki Beach. The ultimate in barefoot chic, this beachside scene in St. Jean recently re-debuted following hurricane damage and is showing off an upgraded and refreshed look. Their brunch is absolutely legendary, so be prepared to indulge and keep your plans for the rest of the day loose. It’s unlikely that you’ll be getting anywhere on time as you’ll want to linger here.

Iconic Shell Beach may be known for the colorful shells that carpet the seaside, but it’s also known for the delicious evening cocktails and gorgeous sunset views at Shellona. This completely open-air bar and restaurant is a wonderful place to kick back and reflect on a fabulous day. We hear the Shell Spicy Dream cocktail is to die for.

If you only have one day in St. Barts, deciding where to eat dinner can be a challenge. But if there’s one restaurant to try, it has to be Orega, an intimate French-Japanese fusion experience. You’ll be treating yourself to one of the most unique dinners in the Caribbean. Orega is located in Gustavia just a few steps from the Anglican Church.

Shopping In St. Barts

With an emphasis on quality, the finer things, and barefoot luxury, you can imagine that the shopping scene on St. Barts is top notch. From local handcrafts to designer boutiques, St. Barts has some of the best shopping in the Caribbean.

Peruse the one-of-a-kind treasures at Mignot St Barth, an understated, luxe shop in the middle of downtown Gustavia. Browse their selection of black Tahitian pearls that have been transformed into bohemian jewelry, adorned leather bracelets, and more.

Looking for that special memento from your vacation? Baya, also in Gustavia, may have just what you’re looking for. This unique, boho-chic home goods store is evocative of a whimsical yet upscale bazaar. From cowhide rugs and colorful bags to wooden bowls, pillows, and vinyl mats, this eclectic shop has a little bit of everything.

En route to Salines Beach, just off the main thoroughfare in Saint-Jean, Yume St. Barth is a spacious yet subdued shop with handmade items, from table runners and jewelry to stuffed animals and more.

Eating Local In Napa Valley: The Best Restaurants To Try

Napa Valley, California, is home to over 400 wineries and wines enjoyed throughout the world. Any visit to this wine lover’s haven will undoubtedly include time for wine tastings, winery tours, and relaxation. But the North Bay is also known worldwide for its Michelin Star-rated restaurants, food industry-recognized leaders, and the extraordinary culinary adventures it offers locals and those who visit. There are tons of eateries to choose from across the cost spectrum. You will find plenty to eat in Napa Valley.

If you are planning a trip to wine country and are not sure of the best places in the area to dine, put these nine delightful establishments on your list.

Boon Fly Cafe

You cannot miss this bright red restaurant set in a farm building. What makes Boon Fly Cafe one of the best establishments in the area? Its atmosphere, modern rustic decor, and a menu that has something for everyone, not to mention the house-made donuts. Boon Fly Cafe is known for its savory donuts, which can be ordered as a starter or a side dish. The donuts aren’t the only noteworthy item on the menu. Try the Green Eggs and Ham (poached farm-fresh eggs wrapped in honey-cured ham with lemon-leek cream on crispy hash browns) or the Boon Fly Cafe version of chicken and waffles (made with free-range chicken, fresh donuts, and brown butter syrup). These are just a few of the menu items that make eating here feel more homey than you’d expect from a meal in wine country. Speaking of wine, if Boon Fly doesn’t offer your favorite Napa wine, you can bring it with you for a $15 corkage fee.

The French Laundry

You can’t step into Napa Valley without hearing about The French Laundry. It’s likely the most famous restaurant in the area — and the most expensive. This three-star Michelin restaurant is exquisite in every detail. You’ll find yourself mesmerized by the view of the chefs working in the 2,000-square-foot kitchen. It’s similar to watching a soul-stirring theatrical performance. The two tasting menus, each crafted by award-winning Chef Thomas Keller, span nine captivating courses. They change daily so no two nights are the same.

Diners at The French Laundry swoon over the attention to detail put into the evening and are known to feel like they’re the only diners there. The cost to dine — $325 per person (as of August 2019) has to be paid upon securing your reservation. This is a must-try restaurant when visiting Napa, if you can get a reservation. Thoughts of your meal and experience at The French Laundry will undoubtedly top your list of lifelong Napa memories.

Restoration Hardware Restaurant in Yountville. — Restoration Hardware

Restoration Hardware Restaurant Yountville

Set inside of an operational Restoration Hardware furniture store, Restoration Hardware Restaurant Yountville will tantalize all six of your senses from start to finish. You’ll be surrounded by high-end, contemporary home furnishings while eating dishes like maple-glazed thick-cut pork belly bacon or the RH Scramble (farm eggs fitted with thick cream, avocado, and chives). The ambiance leverages the property’s 100-year-old olive trees while a flowing water fountain and the low light of candles and chandeliers adds to the extravagance of the evening. The menu is not complex but does offer vegetarian options. Put this one on your list. You’ll be glad you did.

FARM At Carneros

Elegant, beautiful, and lavish are words that come to mind when thinking about FARM at Carneros. The restaurant, part of the Carneros Resort, is defined by lavish characteristics that extend to the menu and service. Farm-to-table produce grown on site is featured prominently. There are two options for dining — a prix fixe brunch menu and the tasting menu. The prix fixe option is best suited for a group as these meals are served family style. The meal cost is set at $45 per person. You’ll choose four items from a list of 15 dishes like shrimp and grits, pan-roasted brassicas lobster rolls, eggs benedict, and crispy duck confit. The tasting menu involves five courses with seasonal themes. If you are feeling as grand as your surroundings, you can even add caviar to your dinner selection.

The CIA At Copia

If you pull up to the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Copia and aren’t sure what you should do inside, look to the giant fork sculpture on the grounds for guidance. You should definitely eat from one of the six menus available to the public at the renowned culinary education institution. Unlike the food at other CIA restaurants, the dishes prepared for Copia diners are not a part of CIA students’ academic requirements. Instead, The CIA at Copia restaurant is led by Chef Polly Lappetito, a culinary icon. The dishes served here are straight-forward and leverage flavors associated with California, plus the wines produced in the region.

Try the Original CIA Burger made with the school’s signature blend of beef and mushrooms, served with Pt. Reyes Toma cheese, house relish, and fries. This will be a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of Napa Valley. CIA at Copia’s restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Brunch is available Saturdays and Sundays. If lunch was your favorite class when you were in school, you will love it here.

Angele Restaurant And Bar

Set across from the Napa riverfront, Angele Restaurant and Bar has been serving delicious food in this community for nearly 20 years. What makes this a must-visit establishment is its charming atmosphere combined with French country cuisine. Enjoy your meal from the patio that faces the riverfront promenade. Order one of the custom-made cocktails, like the Madam Mineaux — Napa Valley-distilled gin, green chartreuse, pineapple and lime — or the All Day! and head to the patio.

Basalt

Dining at Basalt prioritizes the unembellished: dinner, brunch, hand-crafted cocktails — that’s it! There is no menu overwhelm, which makes this a welcome respite from other dining experiences in the area. Your dinner choices involve appetizers, entrees, and three shareable sides. During brunch, you only have approximately a dozen main dishes and five sides to contend with. The dessert menu features five divine options.

Fortunately, simple doesn’t equal boring at Basalt. Whatever you choose will be delicious. This establishment also has a river view that makes outdoor seating preferential on a sunny day.

Torc

Sometimes you just want a good happy-hour martini. If cocktails are on your to-enjoy list, count Torc among the Napa restaurants you need to visit. Close to Basalt and boasting a similar view of the Napa River, you can indulge in reasonably priced eats and libations during happy hour. Drinks such as the Classic Old Fashion, Manhattan, margarita, and martini are just $7. Cocktails are $6 and the four beer choices run between $4 and $6. While the food menu isn’t extensive during happy hour, the quality of the selections is undeniable. The house-made rigatoni and Maine lobster risotto are absolutely worth trying. Torc has a down-to-earth vibe that comes across in its ambiance and cuisine.

ZuZu

ZuZu is a Spanish-influenced restaurant and tapas bar. You’ll find the California wines that you’d expect in Northern California wine country, plus wines from Spain, South America, and Portugal. There a handful of cold tapas and more than a dozen hot tapas to choose from. But the reason ZuZu makes our must-dine list debuts at 4 p.m. At 4 o’clock, Zuzu’s signature dish, paella, is available to order. The Paella del Dia, served with Spanish bomba rice, is scrumptious. Each person at the table will pay a per-person cost for this order. ZuZu is cozy and the perfect place to stop during a day of wine tastings and food sampling.

Napa Valley has a reputation for good food and world-class wine. Go with an open mind and desire to try new things and your vacation here will be elevated to the next level!

Spending a weekend — or a week — in Napa? Consider these eight things to do in Napa Valley besides visiting wineries.

Atlanta’s Best-Kept Secrets: 9 Amazing Places To Visit

Georgia’s largest city is home to a number of famous attractions, like its storied aquarium, its popular World of Coca-Cola Museum, and its stunning Atlanta Botanical Garden. But with 50 million tourists visiting the city annually, smart travelers might be more interested in exploring the city’s hidden gems rather than the crowded hot spots.

If you’re a return visitor who wants to see another side of The Big Peach — or a newbie who doesn’t want to battle the crowds — consider some of these off-the-beaten-path spots, from an inventive coffeehouse to a museum that gets better after dark. Your next trip to Atlanta is sure to be a memorable one!

1. Revolution Doughnuts & Coffee

With two convenient locations, one in Inman Park and one in Decatur, Atlanta’s own Revolution Doughnuts & Coffee is the perfect spot to enjoy artisan coffee and inventive pastry items. The peach is the symbol of Georgia, and the doughnut slider at Revolution, usually only available in the summer months, offers a sweet new way to enjoy the famous fruit. It’s made from scratch from quality ingredients. Even if it’s not available, you can stop in at any time of year for seasonally appropriate and affordable specialties; generally, the pastries range in price from $2 to $4. Some other fun options include doughnut flavors like blackberry cornmeal, caramel bacon, and carrot cake. This sweet shop is well worth a visit!

2. Fernbank After Dark

While the Fernbank Museum of Natural History is well known, some of its programming isn’t — especially the Fernbank After Dark series, adult science nights that are held once a month. These events for those 21 and older feature cool hands-on museum experiences, small bites, and craft cocktails. Each month, the Fernbank After Dark event sports a new theme to guide the evening. Past themes have included “Booze and Botanicals” and “Art and Science.” The ticket price is less than $20 and includes access to exhibits, special learning opportunities, and live music. Food and drinks are available on-site.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Atlanta on the second Friday of the month, check out this unique offering. And if you won’t be there then, give the Fernbank’s regular programming a try. After all, the museum is Atlanta’s home for dinosaurs and has much more to offer visitors.

A bartender pours a drink at Gilly Brew Bar. — Gilly Brew Bar

3. Gilly Brew Bar

Perhaps my personal favorite on this list of Atlanta’s hidden gems, Gilly Brew Bar is a must-stop for travelers to the area. It’s located on the east side of the city in a small suburb called Stone Mountain. In fact, this creative coffee shop is housed in the oldest building in Stone Mountain, the former mayor’s house. The specialty drinks, called elixirs, are crafted in house from completely revolutionary ingredients, and these elixirs rotate seasonally.

During my recent visit, I had an affogato with matcha instead of the traditional espresso. Plus, it had a special locally crafted toffee gelato inside. A friend tried some magical combination that included Parmesan with a cornmeal rim. Consider me the newest member of the Gilly fan club, because I can’t wait to go back and sample even more inventive concoctions.

Guests should be prepared for artisanal coffee prices — about $5 or so for a beverage.

4. Jekyll Brewing

Many visitors stick to downtown Atlanta, but if you want to explore a less bustling spot, head north to the large suburb of Alpharetta, where you’ll find Jekyll Brewing and its tasty Hop Dang Diggity Southern IPA. Jekyll is named for and pays homage to Georgia’s long history of brewing. In fact, it’s believed that the first brewery in the South was founded on Jekyll Island in the 18th century. With another location on the way, this off-the-beaten-path brewery is making waves with its handcrafted brews. Try the beer flight and ask about any seasonal offerings or special releases that might coincide with your trip. Brewery tours are also available on-site.

Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. — Stacy Funderburke / Shutterstock

5. Davidson-Arabia Nature Preserve And Panola Mountain State Park

Rather than heading to Georgia’s most-visited attraction, the controversial Stone Mountain, consider a trip to Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, where you can visit the 2,250-acre DeKalb County park known as the Davidson-Arabia Nature Preserve for free. With numerous natural wonders as well as hiking and biking options, this is a great hidden gem in the Atlanta area.

Nearby is Panola Mountain State Park. For an affordable entrance fee of just $5, travelers can enjoy the biodiversity of this pristine wilderness area. There are 30 miles of paved trails for hiking, plus incredible special events like tree-climbing classes and camping in the trees. Additional area activities include archery and bouldering.

If you’re seeking an active element to your Atlanta tour, both of these natural areas would provide the perfect backdrop at any time of year.

The Atlanta Chinatown Mall. — Atlanta Chinatown

6. Buford Highway

DeKalb County, which is part of the east Atlanta metro area, is the most culturally diverse county in all of the South; in fact, it even ranks as one of the country’s most diverse counties. Unsurprisingly, the area’s sleepy Buford Highway is home to an unbelievable stretch of international eateries. There’s even a Buford Highway Farmers Market! My personal favorites include Sweet Hut Bakery & Café, Mamak, and Nam Phuong Restaurant. Nearby is the Atlanta Chinatown Mall with its great food court. This off-the-beaten-path area deserves further exploration by adventurous travelers to Atlanta.

7. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center

Another great lesser-known gem in Atlanta is the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center in the dreamy Druid Hills neighborhood. Since the property is about a 20-minute drive from downtown Atlanta and is in a residential area, it is oftentimes ignored by tourists, but the arts center boasts one of the South’s largest pottery programs and hosts fun community events like Jazz on the Lawn in its on-site amphitheater. (If you’ll be visiting during the summer, try to catch a Friday-evening Jazz on the Lawn performance; tickets start at just $25.) There’s even a historic Aeolian organ there.

All of these delightful programs and features are housed within the Coca-Cola founder’s palatial estate on 12 acres of land. Callanwolde is a registered nonprofit that considers itself to be a community arts conservatory; it strives to “preserve, restore, and develop the Callanwolde Estate and to be the premier public arts and cultural center.”

8. Hopstix Brewery

Just a hop, a skip, and a jump from the famous Buford Highway mentioned above is Hopstix Brewery. The Asian-influenced microbrewery was founded by Indonesian Andy Tan. Menu standouts include the HFC (Asian chicken nuggets), miso ramen, and Super Bowl sushi roll (with pork belly). As for the beer, the bestseller Rice & Shine is light, refreshing, and tasty, especially during the summer months. Opt for the beer flight and try some of the hoppier and funkier flavors.

This cool eatery and brewery is close to losing hidden-gem status, though, since USA Today recently named it the country’s number-two brewpub. So get there fast — it’s sure to become a favorite spot in the Atlanta metro area.

9. Eddie’s Attic

Decatur is known for its thriving arts culture, including its bustling music scene. The Eddie’s Attic music venue in this Atlanta suburb is a great, low-key spot to catch some major musicians on the rise. Stars like John Mayer and Sugarland have won Eddie’s songwriting contest, and established artists like Justin Bieber got their start playing at spots like this. You could see the next big star on your next visit to Atlanta!

Eddie’s offers a pool room as well as covered patio. Tickets for shows generally cost about $10, so it’s also an affordable spot.

There are a ton of hidden gems to discover in Atlanta — this list is just a small sampling of what this unexpectedly cool metro area has to offer.

Planning a trip to Atlanta? Here are seven more fun things to do in town. We recommend making your stay a memorable one with a room in one of the best boutique hotels in Atlanta. And while you’re in the area, consider a trip to the historic and beautiful Savannah, Georgia.

Tips For Planning An Amazing Golf Trip To Bandon Dunes, Oregon

Golf trips to Scotland are a bucket list item for many golfers. The game was born near the wind-swept beaches of Scotland and many golf enthusiasts maintain that the purest form of golf is Scottish links golf. There are no tree-lined fairways nor lush green teeboxes like you would typically find in the United States. Links golf is played between the short grass and the long grass, with the wind coming off the ocean being the biggest obstacle from tee to green due to the fact that there are no trees in sight.

After a Scottish golf experience without having to hop the pond? You can experience it at Bandon Dunes. The idea behind Bandon Dunes is simple. What if there could be an authentic links golf experience in the United States? It would require a wind-swept beach, and when developer Mike Keiser stood on a piece of property just north of Bandon, Oregon, he knew he had found his spot. He hired a Scottish golf course architect to design an authentic links golf course, and Bandon Dunes was born. The course opened to the public in 1999.

Of course, Keiser had no idea how popular Bandon Dunes would become. When one links golf course could not handle the demand, he opened another course on the property. And then another. And then another. And what was originally one lodge on the property has grown to five different lodging options. It is truly one of the top golfing destinations in the United States.

Here are some tips for planning a once-in-a-lifetime golf vacation to Bandon Dunes.

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. — DIANA BESZEDITZ / Shutterstock

1. Fly Into Southwest Oregon Regional Airport

The closest major airport is Portland International Airport, and the drive from the airport to Bandon Dunes is approximately 4.5 hours. But United Airlines now has daily flights to Southwest Oregon Regional Airport in North Bend, just 25 miles from Bandon Dunes. These flights originate from both the San Francisco (SFO) and Denver (DIA) airports, so flights can be booked from many destinations through one of those two airports to North Bend.

There are also regional airports in Eugene, Oregon (2.5 hours away), and Medford, Oregon (3 hours away), which carry flights from Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, and United Airlines.

If your flight is to one of these regional airports, the drive down the Oregon coast on Highway 101 has some of the most spectacular coastal highway views in America. If flying into Eugene, a stop at Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, approximately halfway between Eugene and Bandon Dunes, could be the perfect mid-drive respite.

2. Stay On The Property

There are five different lodging options on the Bandon Dunes property. Those who visited Bandon Dunes when it first opened may not be familiar with all of the lodging options that have opened in the last 10 years.

The largest accommodation on the property is The Inn. This lodge features both single- and double-occupancy rooms as well as a bar area with a view of the 18th green of the Bandon Dunes course. Next door to The Inn is The Lodge, which has both single-bed hotel rooms and four-bedroom suites.

There are also cabin-style accommodations at Bandon Dunes. The Grove cottages were built with golf groups in mind. Each cabin has four bedrooms. Chrome Lake is a series of 21 individual buildings with three hotel rooms in each. The most affordable options on the property are the Lily Pond cottages. If you’re traveling with a foursome, all four players can stay in one room with two queen beds, a sitting area, and a private deck.

There are also lodging options off property. Bandon is a town of 3,000, so lodging options are limited, but the town has a Best Western, the Table Rock Motel, and several bed and breakfast options.

3. Give Yourself Enough Time To Play All The Courses

Many people are unaware that there are four courses at Bandon Dunes, plus a 13-hole par-3 course and an 18-hole putting course. Each is a unique golf experience, which is why a longer trip to Bandon is always preferred.

Bandon Dunes, built in 1999, is the original course on the property and is the one must-play course in Bandon. There are differing opinions on which is the “best” course on the property but there is no disputing that Bandon Dunes is central to the Bandon experience.

Due to the success of the Bandon Dunes course, Pacific Dunes was built two years later and opened in 2001. Designed by American golf course architect Tom Doak, Pacific Dunes is very similar to the Bandon Dunes course. Like Scottish links,the course has no trees. There are sandy waste areas and vast views of the Pacific Ocean.

The Bandon Trails course, designed by former PGA golfer Ben Crenshaw and his design partner Bill Coore, provides a completely different golf experience on the property. Bandon Trails is further inland, away from the ocean and tucked up into a pine and spruce forest. Yes, trees. This course is much more like the typical American golf experience with fairways framed by trees and meadows.

The most difficult course on the property, with a USGA course rating of 74.4, is Old Macdonald. Named for renowned golf course architect C.B. Macdonald, designer of such courses as the St. Louis Country Club, the Chicago Golf Club, and The Old White Course at The Greenbrier, Old Macdonald was designed by Tom Doak to pay homage to the style of C.B. Macdonald.

There are also two more golf experiences on the property designed for those who might not want to walk 18 holes of golf but want to experience Bandon Dunes. Bandon Preserve is a 13-hole par-3 course near the ocean that invites golfers to experience golf at Bandon without the full 18-hole commitment. Finally, The Punchbowl is a putting course on the property. There are 18 holes on this massive putting green and a “course” laid out for putting from hole to hole.

4. Get A Caddy

The golf courses at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort do not have carts. Much like the links courses in Scotland, the only option is to walk the course. Caddies and push-carts are available for all golfers, so don’t think that this will be 18 holes of carrying your golf bag around.

Links golf is different from the type of golf many golfers are used to in the United States, so in addition to facilitating movement around the course, a local caddy can help you learn how to play on this unique terrain. Caddies are available at the course and golfers pay the caddies directly. Many groups will utilize the caddies as double-bag caddies (meaning they’ll carry two golf bags), so each golfer splits the cost of the caddy with his or her playing partner.

5. Eat At The Restaurants On The Property

Bandon Dunes Golf Resort has six restaurants on the property. Options range from the Bunker Bar, a typical post-round bar with drinks and snacks, and the Tufted Puffin Lounge, with bar food and drinks, to The Gallery Restaurant with it’s Wine Spectator award-winning wine list. Several restaurants on site serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so golfers truly never have to leave the property.

Shore Acres State Park in Oregon. — Joshua Rainey Photography / Shutterstock

6. Spend A Day In Coos Bay And North Bend

If you do want to venture out to explore the area, Coos Bay and North Bend, about a 25-minute drive north, are the best destinations for restaurants. Options range from Hilltop House, a higher-end restaurant with many local seafood dishes in North Bend, to 7 Devils Brewing Company, a microbrewery in Coos Bay that serves pub food. Both Coos Bay and its sister city North Bend sit on Coos Bay, the largest bay along the Oregon coast, so many restaurants have fantastic views of the water.

Be sure to stop at Shore Acres State Park on the drive to or from Bandon. Shore Acres is the former estate of timber baron Louis Simpson. You can tour the grounds and visit all of the manicured gardens on the property, then follow the path to the ocean overlook to watch the waves crash against the rocky shores. Shore Acres is adjacent to two other state parks — Sunset Bay State Park and Cape Arago State Park. All three parks offer spectacular views of the Oregon coast.

7. Bring Your Rain Gear

This is the Oregon coast. Keep in mind that you won’t be golfing along a beach in the Virgin Islands. Winds can be heavy at times, and rain can come in off the ocean quite often. It is a good idea to pack rain gear for every round as well as long-sleeve shirts and pants. Bandon can be golfed in the typical golf polo and shorts or skirt, but when the weather changes, it changes quickly.

That said, stormy skies can clear at a moment’s notice, leaving you with a perfect sunset over the ocean as you sip your post-round cocktail on one of the many patios overlooking the course and the waves.

Whether it’s a weekend trip to play one of the courses or a full week to play every 18-hole course plus Bandon’s par-3, golfers keep coming back to the area, and Bandon keeps adding golf courses with a fifth course currently in the works.

All four Bandon courses made the latest Golf Digest rankings of the top 100 golf courses in the United States. The highest rated course is Pacific Dunes, 17th on their list. Bandon Dunes comes in at number 36. Old Macdonald is ranked 50th and Bandon Trails is ranked number 69. The ability to play four Golf Digest top 100 golf courses on one property is unmatched anywhere in the United States and makes this far-flung collection of sand dunes in a remote corner of Oregon one of the top golf destinations in the United States.